Bruno Waterfield has been the Brussels correspondent for the Telegraph since 2007. He has been reporting on politics and European affairs for over 13 years, first from Westminster and then from Brussels since January 2003.

Euro-MPs: fear and loathing on the gravy train

Here's some fine footage showing that the MEP expenses issue is not going away. It is now spreading to Germany.

Hat tips to EU Referendum, Euroblog and EU Corruption for this fine RTL clip. I love it when German Green MEP Hiltrud Breyer runs into a wall in a desperate escape from those nosy cameras.

The TV makers, who actually underestimate the value of some of the allowances our Euro-MPs are due, are taking a look at the notorious "sign in and slope off" daily subsistence allowance.

This tax-free perk – worth 287 euro (Â£228) – is there for any MEP who is toiling at either the Brussels or Strasbourg seat of the European Parliament. It reimburses them for the cost of hotels and restaurants.

A common practice on a Thursday is for MEPs to sign on at 7am before rushing off in Parliament cars to a train or plane home. The signing register in Brussels, see these pictures, is protected by CCTV to prevent journalists clocking Euro-MPs, bags in hand, taking the cash.

Just before this Easter break, I spent a few mornings, especially the Wednesday before Maundy Thursday, watching this corridor (see picture below). True to form at least six British MEPs, Tory and Labour, collected the money before heading home to an extended holiday break – all totally legal – so for fear of writs I will not say who they are.

MEP offices in Brussels come complete with an ensuite bathroom (shower) and many are equipped with a sofa bed. I know of at least three UK MEPs who sleep in their office to maximise their earnings. Many others rent flats, or rooms with friends, in turn the allowance into a nice little earner.

On an average week it is worth Â£1100 to any MEP who can bear to hang around. Nice work perk if you can get it. There are likely to be more developments with British MEPs and their allowances this weekend and early next week. Watch this space…